Citizen’s Input Sought On Future Of Venice’s Legacy Park

There will be a public workshop regarding the future of Legacy Park on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2 p.m., at Venice City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave., Venice.

The city is asking its citizens to share their vision for Legacy Park, located on the east side of the Intracoastal Waterway off of East Venice Avenue. The park will benefit the public by:

• Providing additional parking for users of the Marina Park boat ramp, Legacy Trail, Venetian Waterway Park, Venice Historic Train Station and SCAT bus service
• Preserving a strategically located area in green space for perpetuity
• Providing a kayak and canoe launch to Hatchett Creek
• Providing concrete trails connecting the nearby trails to Hatchett Creek
• Providing a wildlife observation deck
• Landscaping the area with native vegetation
• Restoring three stormwater ponds for better area drainage.

The City Council recently approved the purchase of the 10.2-acre site. The land was formerly the site of a cement plant until it was purchased by Waterford Intracoastal Inc., a development corporation that planned to build condominiums on the property. Before the city takes possession, the current owner will clear and clean the property. The city is now working with Sarasota County Parks and Recreation to plan for future maintenance and operation.

The workshop will provide an opportunity for the community to suggest additional ways of using the property and identify partnering opportunities with nonprofit organizations and civic groups.